This genuine Ancient Byzantine gold coin has been mounted in a modern 18 karat gold ring.

By the time he attained the throne, Justinian had ample experience in imperial politics as the ruler in fact, if not in name, under his uncle Justin I. His numerous promotions reflected his increasing power, though he had to wait until the death of the empress Lupicina to marry the former actress Theodora. Upon he succession Justinian strengthened the realm, countered the expansion of Persian power in the east, built the great church St. Sophia and codified the law. On this very fine coin we see the youthful profile of the great emperor facing right, crowned with a laurel wreath. On the reverse is an angel standing left holding a globe with cross. This lovely gold coin set in a gold ring is appropriate to a time referred to as a golden age.